Timmons Introduces Legislation to Punish Leaks of Supreme Court Opinions

Press Release

In response to the recent leak of a draft Supreme Court opinion of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, Rep. William Timmons (SC-04) introduced H.R. 7713, the Leak and Lose Act, to punish leaks of Supreme Court opinions or draft opinions with a $5,000 fine and permanent forfeiture of admission to practice before all Federal courts.

"The recent leak of a draft opinion to the media was an egregious attempt to influence the outcome of the case and pressure other justices through the court of public opinion," said Rep. William Timmons (SC-04). "But the Supreme Court's fundamental purpose is to uphold the rule of law free from any political pressure. This leak was a dangerous affront to the integrity of the highest court of the land and the very foundation of our democracy. Not only must we get to the bottom of who leaked this document, we must also hold them to account. My legislation, the Leak and Lose Act, will help deter any future leaks and ensure the Supreme Court remains free from the political winds of the time."

Background:

The Leak and Lose Act of 2022 states:

"Whoever willfully and unlawfully conceals, removes, mutilates, obliterates, or destroys, or attempts to do so, or, with intent to do so takes and carries away any opinion or draft opinion of a case being heard by the Supreme Court, prior to the date on which such opinion is published by the Supreme Court, shall be fined $5000, and if applicable, shall forfeit their admission to all Federal courts and shall be ineligible for admission to a Federal court for the remainder of their life."

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